By Caroline Castrillon
You’ve been interviewing for months and finally got a job offer. In today’s economic environment, that would make most people burst into song and do a happy dance in their living room. But what if, after thinking long and hard, you decide it’s not the right career move? Maybe the salary is too low, the culture isn’t a good fit, or you detected other red flags during the interview process. You may even have decided to stay in your current role. If that’s the case, it’s okay to turn down a job offer.
Of course, it can be tricky because you don’t want to burn bridges with the company or hiring manager. The key is to communicate in a way that is honest, professional and concise. If you find yourself in a situation where you must turn down the offer, here are five tips and email examples to help you do it gracefully.
Respond in a timely manner
Once you decide the position isn’t for you, the last thing you want to do is procrastinate. By letting the hiring manager know as soon as possible that you’re declining the job offer, you’re showing them professional courtesy. Plus, responding promptly also gives the employer a chance to move forward with alternative candidates.
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the time you and your team have invested in considering my candidacy.
After much thought, I have decided to decline the offer. While I was impressed with your company culture and product roadmap, I have accepted another role that is a better fit based on my current career aspirations.
While it wasn’t an easy choice, I wanted to get back to you as soon as possible.
Again, thank you for your time, and I wish you and your team continued success.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Express gratitude
In your email, show appreciation for the opportunity. The hiring manager invested time reviewing your resume, interviewing you and creating the job offer. They may also have recommended you to other people within the organization. By expressing gratitude, you let them know you acknowledge their efforts.
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m grateful for the time and effort you and your team have invested in interviewing me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Thank you for the chance to learn more about your company and what you stand for.
CxO: C-suite news, analysis, and advice for top decision makers right to your inbox.
Email address
Sign Up
By signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Service (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and Privacy Statement.
After a lot of thought, I have decided to decline the offer. While it was unexpected, there is a new position within my current organization that more closely aligns with my long-term career goals.
I enjoyed getting to know the team and am grateful for the positive experience I had interviewing over the last several weeks. I wish you and the company continued future success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Provide a brief explanation
It’s unnecessary to provide a long-drawn-out explanation for why you are declining the offer. But it is essential to be honest, clear and concise. Be specific as it relates to the position, salary or responsibilities. Also, make it a point to be respectful without being overly emotional.
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for allowing me to meet the team last week. Learning more about everyone’s roles and seeing the offices was eye-openi…
[20:21, 07/08/2023] WoK Ochookwu 🤡: Even though we have the same dad, we both have a Nigerian dad and a white mum, she looks a little different to me and has experienced things in school that I never had,” Plumptre has said. “Most people just assume that I’m white. I identify as being mixed heritage. But my sister … she identifies as being black.
“That’s where I’m like: ‘OK, Nigeria would be good for me to do because then I can experience the culture more, I can come back and teach her about our heritage.’ That was the trigger for me.”